North Charleston police are investigating a deadly hit-and-run collision that took place on Friday night at the intersection of Remount Road and Corner Avenue. A male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle shortly after 8:30pm. The driver fled the scene without stopping to render aid or identify themselves to authorities.
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning. The Charleston County Coroner’s Office is now assisting in the investigation. The identity of the deceased was initially withheld pending notification of next of kin. North Charleston police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information about the suspect vehicle to contact investigators at 843-607-2076.
South Carolina Hit and Run Law
In the wake of this tragic accident, authorities are reminding drivers of their legal obligation to stop, provide aid, and identify themselves after an accident. A pedestrian who has been injured in a hit and run
A pedestrian accident can have serious consequences because the human body is so small and fragile compared with a motor vehicle. When that accident is a hit-and-run, the damage can be even more significant, because the victim may not get prompt medical care.
North Charleston Hit and Run Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is injured or killed by a driver who leaves the scene, it may seem like the injured person or surviving family member has no recourse. That’s not always true.
First, some hit and run drivers are identified. While it’s currently a small percentage, the possibility of identifying a driver who left the scene have increased with the growing presence of security cameras, traffic cameras and even doorbell cameras recording what happens on an empty street.
If the driver isn’t identified, a hit and run victim may have access to some compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage. The best way to learn about your options after being injured by or losing a loved one to a hit and run driver is to consult an experienced local car accident lawyer right away. Important evidence like video footage can be lost if you don’t act quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about North Charleston Hit and Run Accidents
Can I Collect Damages if I’ve Been Hit by a Car?
If a driver is negligent and that negligence results in injury to a pedestrian, the pedestrian is typically entitled to compensation. When the crash was a hit-and-run, collecting damages can be more complicated. If the hit-and-run driver is identified, they can be held liable–but that doesn’t always happen. You may still have options, though, so it’s to your benefit to talk to a Charleston pedestrian accident lawyer.
Is Hit-and-Run a Crime in South Carolina?
Hit-and-run (officially called “leaving the scene of an accident”) is a crime in South Carolina. If the driver who hit you is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, the court may order them to pay restitution. However, court-ordered restititution in a criminal case is more limited than the damages you might receive in a personal injury case and may be harder to collect. So, it’s a good idea to talk to a local pedestrian accident attorney even if the prosecution has said they will ask for restitution.